REUTERS
The restrictive measure was introduced on March 12.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine may lift a ban on exports of face masks and the Ukrainian government is to consider the issue by the end of the week.
"You probably understand why we did this from the very beginning [banned shipments of medical protective equipment abroad] – we needed to supply [it to] hospitals and pharmacies. As for the hospitals with COVID-19 patients, everything is fine with supplies there; as for pharmacies, it seems to me it is also quite good there. We will check it out – maybe it's time... Let us see all the stocks. I don't want it to happen – but we must be prepared if there is a second wave," he said while meeting with local entrepreneurs in Chernivtsi region on July 8.
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In turn, Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer Viktor Liashko says that his ministry will study healthcare facilities' demand for the means of protection in hospitals.
"We are now collecting information from all healthcare institutions, these are not only those that were countering the first wave, but also those that will be involved in the second and third waves so that they could clearly estimate plans for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). As soon as they provide this information, we, together with the Economy Ministry, will evaluate our own production capacities and perhaps we will allow the quota principle for exports of masks in the near future," he said.
In turn, the president said that "by the end of the week we will see... If the stocks are enough, then why not [to allow the exports]. You are right – if the state does not place an order with you, the state should open up opportunities for you."
As UNIAN reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers on March 12 introduced a ban on exports of locally produced PPE until June 1; then the measure was extended until July 1.